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Assessment and Counseling of International Travelers: A Guide for Practicing Physicians

Pimpawan Boapimp, M.D.*
Charles de Comarmond, M.D.**

ABSTRACT
Because of globalization, there has been a significant increase in international travel.
Thorough planning and ample preparation time is essential, especially for persons traveling to unfamiliar
countries. Pre-travel healthcare counseling may reduce the risk of acquiring preventable illnesses
abroad and should be encouraged. This article reviews the general approach to pre-travel planning, and
provide physicians with a guide for counseling international travelers on infectious and non-infectious
hazards and its’ prevention, including immunization, chemoprophylaxis, non-vaccine preventable diseases
such as traveler’s diarrhea, high altitude illness, malaria, and air travel-related illnesses. (J Infect Dis
Antimicrob Agents 2005;22:133-49.)